ROWLAND — An 11-year-old girl has died from injuries she suffered when she was struck by a car while riding a miniature motorcycle, according to the state Highway Patrol.
Whitney Lou Smith, of 23 Freewill Lane in Rowland, was riding a Motovox mini bike down a private drive on June 14 when she failed to yield and entered Harleysville Road, according to a report by Trooper Jonathan Scott. She was struck by a 1996 Chevrolet van being driven by Keenan Allen Locklear, 29, of 814 Harleysville Road, according to the report.
Smith was taken to Southeastern Regional Medical Center, then transferred to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where she died on Monday, according to 1st Sgt. Ardeen Hunt.
The van was traveling an estimated 45 mph when it struck the bike, according to the report. The speed limit is 55 mph.
According to the report, Smith was not wearing any protective equipment. Hunt said that mini bikes like the one Smith was riding are not street legal.
Hunt said no charges are expected.
rest in peace
Good job of implicitly blaming this girl's parents for her death. I'm sure that will make them feel better during their time of sorrow.